Reality Check has Seen Enough Tobacco in New York State

Since 2020, U.S. cigarette smoking has dwindled to an all-time low of 12.5% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite this remarkable milestone, e-cigarettes and vaping devices continue to infiltrate our youth and young adult populations nationwide. The use of flavors in tobacco products is an ongoing issue specifically pertaining to younger individuals. Reality Check, a youth-based program of New York State recognizes October 13th as “Seen Enough Tobacco Day”. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the tobacco industry’s irresponsibility by investing billions in tobacco marketing toward youth and minority populations in our communities.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, young people who are exposed to consistent tobacco marketing are more likely to start smoking.  The Reality Check group at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) is creating posters depicting the dangerous effects of tobacco marketing on their peers that will be displayed in their school. In addition, the group posted Seen Enough Tobacco yard signs in Columbus Circle in downtown Syracuse. “We selected this area due to the high foot traffic throughout the day,” said Tobacco-Free CNY Reality Check Coordinator, Antonio Palmer. “The group wanted to ensure these messages reached as many people as possible, as education has always been the catalyst to everlasting change”.

To participate in Seen Enough Tobacco Day on Thursday, October 13, 2022, please share photos of our lawn signs on social media using #SeenEnoughTobacco and sign the Seen Enough Tobacco online petition at www.SeenEnoughTobacco.org to pledge your support.

The Reality Check program is part of Tobacco-Free CNY and works to engage local stakeholders, educate community leaders and the public, and mobilize community members and organizations to strengthen tobacco and e-cigarette policies that prevent and reduce tobacco and vape use. Efforts also focus on reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco and e-cigarette marketing in retail settings, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing smoking imagery in the media. For more information about Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY programs, visit www.tobaccofreecny.org or call 315-435-3280.

FREE Mammograms are Available

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  In New York State, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death. One in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Many things affect a person’s chance of getting breast cancer, these are called risk factors. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, including getting older, having dense breasts, radiation to the chest area early in life, and family history/genetics. Other risk factors can be controlled. These risk factors include being overweight, not being physically active, eating unhealthy food, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes.

Additional risk factors that increase your chance of breast cancer include never giving birth, never breastfeeding, or giving birth to a first child at a later age. The good news is you can lower your breast cancer risk by making healthy lifestyle choices. Remember, it is essential to see your health care provider for regular check-ups.

Do not wait to get your mammogram. Regular breast cancer screening is the key to finding breast cancer early when treatment may work best. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) encourages anyone who has put off their mammogram or is due for a mammogram, to call their health care provider. If you do not have health insurance, the CSP may be able to help!  

Most women (about 8 out of 10) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.  However, women with close blood relatives like a mother or sister who have had breast cancer are at higher risk.  About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene defects passed on from a parent.  The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is inherited defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

  • a lump, thickening, or swelling in a part of the breast or underarm area
  • new pain in one spot that does not go away
  • nipple discharge other than breastmilk, including blood
  • pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  • dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  • any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast skin
  • itchy, scaly sore, or rash on the nipple or other parts of the breast

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free breast cancer screenings to women ages 40 and over who do not have health insurance, or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings. If any follow-up tests are needed, the CSP will provide those tests too. If breast cancer is found, CSP will help enroll people who qualify in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program for full Medicaid coverage during treatment. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having a mammogram may save your life. If you are a woman age 40 and older and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 or visit www.ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.

Onondaga County Health Department to Hold Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, September 29

The Onondaga County Health Department will be holding a monkeypox vaccination clinic for those in our community who are at risk or may be at future risk of contracting the disease. The clinic will offer both first and second doses. Those in need of a second dose must have received their first dose at least 4 weeks ago.

Individuals will need two doses of the vaccine, at least four weeks apart, and are considered fully vaccinated 14 days AFTER their SECOND dose. Anyone who has received a first dose elsewhere can get their second dose at any of the OCHD clinics as long as it has been four weeks since the first dose.

Clinic Details and Registration
The clinic will be this Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the basement level of the Onondaga County Civic Center in downtown Syracuse. Parking is FREE in the Oncenter Lot.

Register for an appointment at https://monkeypox.ongov.net/vaccine/. APPOINTMENT GUARANTEES A VACCINE, but walk-ins are welcome. Vaccine availability for walk-ins will be based on the number of appointments and vaccine capacity for the day.

Those receiving the first-dose of the vaccine will require a second dose, which will be given on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the same time slot as the first dose. Please note that individuals are not considered fully vaccinated against monkeypox until 14 days after receiving their second dose.

Learn More
Take steps to prevent getting monkeypox with these tips: https://bit.ly/3PNzbwl. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. A rash can look like a blister, pus-filled bump, open sore, or widespread small hard bumps on the body.

If you think you may have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, please contact your primary care provider and notify them immediately. You can learn more by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or visiting https://on.ny.gov/3RYgHuP.

Additional Mosquito Pools Found Positive for EEEV and WNV, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

The Onondaga County Health Department was notified today that mosquitoes collected from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero tested positive for virus. A mosquito pool from Route 298 was positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and a pool from Island Road was positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  Both viruses were found earlier this season in the Cicero Swamp area. As temperatures remain warm, so will the threat of mosquito bites that can transmit disease. The Onondaga County Health Department urges residents to use personal protection measures when spending time outdoors.

The Onondaga County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. This proactive measure is an attempt to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycles. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes available to transmit the virus to humans. The spraying is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 10, 2022, after 6:30 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Saturday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day and will be announced through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf.

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Perm-X UL 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website at https://www.ongov.net/health/env/documents/Perm-XUL30-30Label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315-435-1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
  • Keep your pets indoors if possible.
  • Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
  • Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
  • Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Area Teens Attend Summit at Keuka College

Focus on combating tobacco industry’s influence on youth

Tobacco-Free CNY Reality Check youth from the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) Ali Kareem and Michelle Tran joined more than 70 teens at Keuka College for this year’s Reality Check Youth Summit held each summer to gain leadership, self-empowerment, and team-building skills to produce change in their communities. Reality Check works to expose the tobacco industry’s deceptive and manipulative marketing tactics that appeal to youth and lead to nicotine addiction.

ITC students Michelle Tran and Ali Kareem with Reality Check Coordinator, Antonio Palmer (center)

“Youth Summit was a wonderful experience for all who participated,” said Tobacco-Free CNY Reality Check Coordinator, Antonio Palmer. “The highlight for me was watching the youth in action during our activism fair. Witnessing youth from all across the state unite to create powerful messaging rejecting Big Tobacco’s marketing practices was truly a sight to behold.”

When New York State ended the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in May 2020, it was a significant step toward reducing youth tobacco use. However, e-cigarette use remains the most used tobacco product among New York State youth (22.5%). More than half of teens falsely believe e-cigarettes are harmless.

Youth will apply skills learned to raise awareness of the tobacco industry’s impact on young people. During the summit’s Activism Training Fair, youth experienced a variety of hands-on, highly visual, and engaging activities to mobilize and educate communities about Big Tobacco’s impact on young people. Ali Kareem and Michelle Tran joined their fellow Central region youth in the Chalk the Walk activity. The objective was for youth to utilize their imagination and chalk to create messages or images illuminating the tobacco industry’s negative impact on their respective community.

They shared startling information about tobacco industry marketing and its effect on youth smoking initiation, including:

  • The average age of a new smoker is 13 years old, and 90 percent of adult smokers say they first tried smoking by age 18.
  • In 2019, cigarette and smokeless tobacco companies spent $8.2 billion on advertising and promotions in the U.S. alone.
  • To catch the attention of youth, tobacco companies use colorful packaging that sometimes imitates the packaging of popular candy brands. Plus, tobacco product advertisements in stores are often at children’s eye level (less than three feet off the ground), and tobacco products are placed near candy, toys, and other youth-friendly items.
  • Menthol cigarettes, in particular, lead to increased smoking initiation among youth and young adults, greater addiction, and decreased success in quitting smoking.
  • Youth who initiate using menthol cigarettes are more likely to become addicted and become long-term daily smokers.

Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY are funded by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control, New York State Tobacco Control Program (NYSTCP). The NYSTCP aims to reduce illness, disability, and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use.

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Sources:

NYS Dept. of Health, Tobacco Control Program, StatShots 2021-Vol. 14, Numbers 1-4. Milestones in Tobacco Control: Youth Tobacco Use Declines Across All Product Types in 2020, Lowest Youth Smoking Rate on Record, StatShot Vo. 14, No.3/Sept 2021. Accessed July 2022, https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/reports/statshots/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health. BRFSS Prevalence & Trends Data CDC, 2020. Accessed July 2022, https://nccd.cdc.gov/BRFSSPrevalence/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=DPH_BRFSS.ExploreByTopic&irbLocationType=StatesAndMMSA&islClass=CLASS17&islTopic=TOPIC15&islYear=2020&rdRnd=54125

NYS Department of Health, Tobacco Control Program, Information about Tobacco Use, Smoking and Secondhand Smoke, Tobacco Use in NYS, 2017. Accessed July 2022, https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/

A Report of the Surgeon General “The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress” 2014, p. 12. Accessed July 2022,  https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/50-years-of-progress/full-report.pdf

CDC, Smoking and Tobacco Use, Tobacco Marketing. Accessed July 2022. https://tinyurl.com/tobaccomoneyspentonads

Counter Tobacco, Youth Targeting at the Point of Sale, Product Placement and Advertising. Accessed July 2022. https://countertobacco.org/resources-tools/evidence-summaries/youth-targeting-at-the-point-of-sale/

“Impact of Menthol Cigarettes on Youth Smoking Initiation and Health Disparities.” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2021. Accessed July 2022, https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0390.pdf.

“Impact of Menthol Cigarettes on Youth Smoking Initiation and Health Disparities.” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2021. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0390.pdf

 

Mosquitoes Found Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that mosquitoes from a trap located on Route 298 in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). EEEV is one of a number of viruses that can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, so it is extremely important to use personal protection measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

 Eastern Equine Encephalitis
EEE is a rare but serious disease that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. People over the age of 50 and younger than the age of 15 are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease when infected with EEEV.

 Personal Protection Measures
Even though the mosquito counts in our county remain extremely low, this first positive finding of EEEV in mosquitoes serves as a reminder for all residents that this virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites no matter where you live.

Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. The use of insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also recommended. Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Do not put the repellent directly onto children; put it on your hands and apply it to your child.  Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors.

It is also important to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by removing mosquito breeding grounds:

  • Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold water
  • Remove all tires from your property
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
  • Change water in birdbaths at least every four days
  • Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
  • Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
  • Drain water from pool covers
  • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The decision to spray is based on several factors including, but not limited to, the number of mosquitoes found in mosquito surveillance traps. All spraying decisions are made with assistance from NYSDOH and the NYSDEC.

For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

First Case of Monkeypox in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that an Onondaga County resident has tested positive for the monkeypox virus. OCHD received the laboratory report of the positive finding on the evening of August 9, 2022. The patient has been in isolation and does not pose a risk to the public. OCHD Bureau of Disease Control has finished conducting contact tracing and all known contacts have been notified.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness but may result in hospitalization or death. Monkeypox spreads through close physical contact between people. While anyone can get monkeypox, at this time, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Take steps to prevent getting monkeypox with these tips: https://bit.ly/3PNzbwl. 

The incubation period for monkeypox is 3-17 days. During this time, a person may have no symptoms. A rash will develop that can be located on or near the genitals or other areas of the body such as hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters, may be painful or itchy, and is often confused with chickenpox. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. 

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms.

Anyone who has close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. If you develop a new, unexplained rash on any part of the body, contact your primary care provider immediately and avoid contact with others.

OCHD is working closely with NYSDOH and held its first monkeypox vaccine clinic for those at high risk on Wednesday, August 10. Future clinics will be announced as OCHD receives additional vaccine. Vaccine supply from the federal government is currently limited, and eligibility is expected to expand as supply increases.

To protect patient privacy, no other information about this individual will be released at this time.  

Onondaga County Health Department to Hold Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic

The Onondaga County Health Department will be holding a monkeypox vaccination clinic for those in our community who are at high risk of contracting the disease. The Health Department has received a total of 600 doses of the monkeypox vaccine from the New York State Department of Health which includes 300 first and 300 second doses.

Clinic Details and Registration
The clinic will be Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Syracuse in the Oncenter Complex. At this time, the following individuals will be eligible to schedule an appointment:

  • Gay or bisexual males, men who have sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary AND,
  • Age 18 or older AND,
  • Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days.

Those who meet the above eligibility requirements may register for an appointment at monkeypox.ongov.net/vaccine/screening-form/.

Those receiving a vaccine will require a second dose, which will be given on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the same time slot as the first dose. Vaccination is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with monkeypox. These individuals are NOT eligible to make an appointment.

Learn More
Take steps to prevent getting monkeypox with these tips: https://bit.ly/3PNzbwl. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. A rash can look like a blister, pus-filled bump, open sore, or widespread small hard bumps on the body.

If you think you may have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, please contact your primary care provider and notify them immediately. You can learn more by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or visiting https://on.ny.gov/3RYgHuP.

Mosquitoes Found Positive for West Nile Virus

The Onondaga County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory today that a mosquito pool from a trap located at Taft Road in the town of Cicero has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This first positive finding of WNV in mosquitoes this year in Onondaga County serves as a reminder for all residents that the virus is present and to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. One in five people with mild cases may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, or rash. People with severe illness usually have a high fever, sudden headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status, and inflammation of the brain or membrane of the spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis). People at greatest risk of developing severe disease are those over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or who have received organ transplants.

Prevent Mosquito Bites
While mosquito counts in Central New York currently are extremely low, it is always important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin—apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Repellent should never be used on babies younger than 2 months old.

Remove Standing Water from Your Property
It is extremely important to remove mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating any standing water that may have collected on your property:

  • Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots, or containers that hold water
  • Remove all tires from your property
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
  • Change water in birdbaths at least every four days
  • Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
  • Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
  • Drain water from pool covers
  • Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The decision to spray is based on several factors including, but not limited to, the number of mosquitoes found in mosquito surveillance traps. All spraying decisions are made with assistance from NYSDOH and the NYSDEC.

For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about personal protection measures against mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315. 435.1649.

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Water sampling will be conducted to confirm there are no toxins before the beach is reopened. Please note that this does not affect the park’s other amenities during normal hours of operation.

Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

While Jamesville Beach is closed, the public can enjoy the Oneida Shores Beach in Brewerton which is open Monday-Friday, 12-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 11-6pm. For future updates on the closure status of Onondaga County Parks beaches please visit www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.